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As we prepare for the 2012 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) solicitation period, which begins September 1, I want to thank you for supporting this worthy program.Last year almost one million Federal employees pledged over $272 million to participating local, national and international charities.This is just one more example of Federal employees’ commitment to improving the quality of life for all.

In recognition of the CFC’s 50th anniversary last year, I created a Federal Advisory Committee to make recommendations for changes to the program to ensure its continued success.The CFC-50 Commission, chaired by former congressional representatives Beverly Byron and Tom Davis, issued its report to me in July.The implementation of their thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations is actively under consideration.I hope you will take a few moments to read the report, which is available at http://www.opm.gov/cfc/CFC%20Commission%20Report.pdf.

One fact that has not changed over the past 50 years is that your leadership and endorsement of the CFC goes a long way towards ensuring its success within your Departments and Agencies.Please consider sending the following email message to all employees.

Suggested Email to Employees

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the world’s largest and most successful workplace giving campaign.Since its creation in 1961, it has raised over $7 billion for the charities designated by Federal employees.During the 2012 CFC solicitation period, I encourage you to consider giving through the CFC because:

You will have an opportunity to make a pledge this fall.You determine how much you can contribute and which participating organization receives your contribution.Even the smallest of donations can go a long way to making a difference in someone’s life.

To learn more about the CFC, you can talk to the CFC keyworkers who will be distributing the Charity List and pledge forms in your office.

Encourage Volunteer Support to Administer the CFC

The CFC would not occur without the support of each Department and Agency and its employees.Further, the involvement of Federal employees as CFC representatives is a key reason that the CFC has historically been one of the most cost-effective fundraising mechanisms for nonprofit organizations.

I recommend allowing your employees to serve as CFC Loaned Executives, Coordinators, and Keyworkers to the extent possible during the campaign period as well as encouraging employees to serve on their Local Federal Coordinating Committee.These positions are often a great way to develop professional skills such as public speaking, financial accountability and building public-private sector partnerships, among others.Since the CFC is a recognized Federal program, it is not appropriate to place these employees on leave or make employees take leave to administer the CFC within your agency.

I also encourage Department and Agency Heads to send the following message to your senior executives, supervisors, and managers located at your headquarters and regional/field offices to encourage support for the CFC:

Suggested Email to Senior Executives, Supervisors, and Managers

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the world’s largest workplace giving campaign.Last year, Federal employees raised over $272 million on behalf of charitable organizations across the country and overseas.I request your assistance to ensure that employees have the opportunity to give to the participating charities of their choice again this year.

The CFC would not be successful without the administrative support of Federal employees at each Department/Agency.Federal employees may serve as CFC Loaned Executives, Coordinators, and Keyworkers to the extent possible during the campaign period to ensure a smooth campaign is administered with little or no disruption to the business of the Department/Agency.I encourage you to provide the local CFC office with resources, as available, to assist in a successful CFC at your location.Please contact [insert contact name and phone number/email] if you can provide staff to help administer the CFC at your location.

In addition, I encourage you to consider volunteering to serve on the Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) in your CFC region.To do so, please go to OPM’s website at http://www.opm.gov/cfc/Search/Locator.asp, click on the drop down State menu and select your state to find the LFCC point of contact in your area.The LFCC can provide you with more information on how to volunteer for this oversight role.

Since the CFC is a recognized Federal program, it is not appropriate to place these employees on leave or make employees take leave to administer the CFC within your agency.Thank you for your consideration and support of the CFC.

CFC Geographic Boundaries

Please remember that the CFC is comprised of 184 geographic regions throughout the U.S. and overseas.Each sets its own campaign dates and has a unique listing of local charities.Federal employees may only participate in the campaign area where their official duty station is located.Please ensure any agency-wide campaign communications do not specify information or include links to CFC websites that may not be applicable to all employees.I encourage you to contact the Office of CFC at (202)606-2564 or cfc@opm.gov for more information.